A Toms River man has been charged with assault by auto after crashing his pickup truck into an electric scooter and injuring the rider in front of a Brick convenience store in January.
Authorities said the truck driver was traveling west on Route 88 and struck the e-scooter while attempting to turn into the store parking lot. The rider was thrown from the scooter and dragged under the truck for a short distance. He was treated and released from an area hospital.
In January, police charged the driver with operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license while involved in a crash causing serious bodily injury. Further testing revealed that at the time of the crash, he had a blood-alcohol content of .247% – more than triple the legal limit – and fictitious license plates, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. He was released after turning himself in Tuesday.
In New Jersey, driving while intoxicated is treated as a serious offense, particularly when resulting in injury. When a crash causes bodily harm, additional charges such as assault by auto may apply, carrying enhanced penalties. Riders on e-scooters and bicycles are especially vulnerable in collisions with larger vehicles, as they have little protection and are more likely to be thrown or trapped during impact.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. can help. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online. With office locations in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.
